The European Union will consider the document proposed by China on the settlement of the Russian-Ukrainian war, but taking into account the "friendship" between Beijing and Moscow. This was announced by the head of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and Estonian Prime Minister Kaya Kallas.
"I think that when you look at this document, you have to understand that this is not a peace plan, but the principles that they share. You have to see them against a concrete background, in particular because China has sided with Russia, signing, for example, the treaty on "Unlimited friendship" before the start of the (Russian - ed.) invasion of Ukraine. Therefore, of course, we will consider the principles, but we will consider them against the background of friendship between China and Russia," von der Leyen said.
At the same time, Stoltenberg noted that China "does not inspire much confidence" because it has not yet condemned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. He also recalled the agreement between Beijing and Moscow on "boundless partnership". According to the General Secretary, the war should end at the negotiating table in the future.
"If we want a peaceful solution, we need to realize that what happens at this negotiating table depends entirely on the situation on the battlefield... Military support for Ukraine today is the way to a peaceful agreement tomorrow," he said.
In addition, when answering a journalist's question about the possible supply of arms by China to Russia, Stoltenberg noted that so far NATO countries have not observed any supply.
"But we see that there are signs that China may be planning and considering giving military aid to Russia. And China should not do that. Because helping an aggressor to wage an illegal war violates the UN Charter. China is a member of the UN Security Council, and they have a special responsibility for protecting the UN Charter," he emphasized.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China has published 12 points on its website, which, in the country's opinion, will help a peaceful settlement in Ukraine.
US President National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that China can stop at the first point of its "peaceful" plan to end Russia's war against Ukraine, which refers to respect for sovereignty.